H.J. has submitted these cards for interpretation. the first three cards are the “heart” of the reading and are read as a unit. Then, the fourth card is drawn and read as a summary or clarifier. Since there are both two swords and two nines in the first group, it is safe to say that this reading focuses on wisdom and higher understanding of resolving conflict. It isn’t until we get to the summary card that we have two members of the Major Arcana and a connection to H.J.’s soul’s agenda for this lifetime.

The spotlight has been on the nine of swords, the nightmare card. It looks like H.J. has been losing sleep worrying about a matter that (s)he cannot influence and/or resolve at this time. The advice of the card is to get some rest and wait until the break of day to see the situation in a clear light. The timing involved in the situation is not conducive to resolving it.

The spotlight is now on the ace of swords, a triumph of cutting through all the nonsense and using single-pointed determination to get what you want. This action frequently involves ignoring everything and everyone else for the time being and soothing any hurt feelings and/or resentments about being left out of the final decision later.

The spotlight is moving toward recognizing that the situation is really just a repeat of an issue you thought you had handled a long time ago. This card appears to inform you that you are not the same person you were the last time this happened. You are older and wiser and may be able, finally, to cross this item off your to-do list once and for all.

The summary card is Death, which does not mean your demise or that of anyone near and dear to you. It simply asks you to let go of that which no longer serves you and let it die. Only the form changes, not the function. A new day has begun, and you would best be served by embracing the new form that has already appeared to take the place of the old one.

Does this make sense? I hope it was helpful. For more information on using tarot cards for insight and guidance, please see www.tarotforalltime.com and consider purchasing the book that is available in paperback, e-book, and full-color PDF format. Thank you.